Mateship inspires epic swim down the Darling River
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Story by Tricia Duffield
When two friends were diagnosed with life threatening diseases, Scott Gladman decided he couldn’t just offer sympathy – he wanted to do more for his mates.
This week, that support takes on epic proportions when he begins his 1650 kilometre ‘Fight the Current’ charity swim down the Barwon Darling River.
Such a marathon effort would test the limits of anyone but at the age of 63 and a grandfather, Scott is putting everything on the line.
Scott describes himself as a farmer, husband, dad and granddad.
“I’ve spent my whole life in rural Australia, and played over 500 games of seniors footy, and 18 months ago I was no distance swimmer other than a holiday dip, the dads’ race at the kids’ carnival, or the odd swim in the creek,” he said.
“But for this swim I have been up at 4.30am most mornings, training for the biggest physical test of my life.
“In 2017, my ticker gave me a scare and after three stents and a second chance I made myself a promise - if I’ve been given more time, I’m going to use it to make a difference.
“That promise is ‘Fight the Current’.
“So, this is for my mates Paddy Russell and Russ Wardle, and for everyone in a small town quietly carrying something like it,” Scott said. […]
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